EL/W-2090
The IAI EL/W-2090 is an Israeli Airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) radar system developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Elta Electronics Industries of Israel. Its primary objective is to provide intelligence to maintain air superiority and conduct surveillance. The system is currently in-service with the Indian Air Force.
It is a development of the EL/M-2075 system, described by the Federation of American Scientists as the most advanced AEW&C system in the world, in 1999 and 2008 articles.[1]
Design and features
The EL/W-2090 is a further development of EL/M-2075 and EL/W-2085.
The EL/W-2090 uses the active electronically scanned array (AESA), an active phased array radar. This radar consists of an array transmit/receive (T/R) modules that allow a beam to be electronically steered, making a physically rotating rotodome unnecessary. AESA radars operate on a pseudorandom set of frequencies and also have very short scanning rates, which makes them difficult to detect and jam.
Sales
Sale to India
In March 2004, as a part of a tri-partite deal between Israel, Indian and Russia - Israel and India signed a US$1.1 billion deal according to which IAI would deliver the Indian Air Force three AEW&C radar systems.[2] India signed a deal with the Ilyushin Corporation of Russia for the supply of three Il-76 A-50 heavy air-lifters, which were to be used as platforms for these radar systems, for an additional US $500 million. In 2008, media reports suggested that India and Israel were about to sign a deal for three additional radars. India received its first AWACS on 25 May 2009. It landed in Jamnagar AFB in Gujarat completing its 8 hour long journey from Israel.[3]
Sale to China
China's purchase of the system in 2000 was denied due to pressure from the United States. Subsequently the original Chinese KJ-2000 AEW&C entered service in 2004.
Operators
India - Three in service & two ordered on an Ilyushin Il-76 platform.[4] IAF is looking to induct a total of six aircraft.
References
- ↑ https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/row/phalcon.htm
- ↑ "Israel and India seal radar deal". BBC News. March 5, 2004. Retrieved May 1, 2010.
- ↑ "First AWACS aircraft lands at Jamnagar air base in Gujarat". The Hindu (Chennai, India). 26 May 2009.
- ↑ India set to decide big military aircraft deals